On Tuesday March 21, as part of CFMEU national rallies organised against the attack on workers, the CFMEU WA rallied in Perth with the support of all unions in the state. Close to 3,000 people attended the rally, defying these attacks from government and the rain. The 11am rally started at Solidarity Park, behind WA Parliament in West Perth.

Mick Buchan, CFMEU state secretary opened proceedings by thanking all the courageous workers for attending despite threats and intimidation from the ABCC and employers.

The rally endorsed by UnionsWA saw several unions putting their support behind the CFMEU against the war on jobs, for safety in the workplace and in defence of penalty rates. High on the agenda was the campaign to abolish the Australia Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

The speakers passionately addressed the need for better industrial laws in the country, for more safety on the job and the need for industrial manslaughter legislation in the state.

The rally then marched to the office of Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash, Federal Minister for Employment, Minister for Women and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service.

Outside the Minister’s office Mick Buchan again addressed rally introducing further speakers, Kara Keys the ACTU Indigenous officer and Christy Cain, MUA state secretary who called for the war on workers to end.

Two ABCC inspectors looked lost on Hay Street as thousands marched past heading to Cash’s office on Outram Street. After the rally the two ABCC inspectors were seen with a Federal Police escort entering the Minister’s office. Overall the rally was a great success demonstrating workers’ resolve that bad laws have to be defied.